JP2008060810A - File transfer device, method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a file transfer device transferring an image to an arbitrary destination from a previously indicated list in the environment where one network apparatus is internally possessed. <P>SOLUTION: The file transfer device includes: an image transfer destination indicating means (a portable terminal or an operation part 701) for indicating the number of other facsimile and the transfer destination of an image file; a transmitting means (a facsimile part 109) for transmitting the image, which includes a prescribed pattern indicating the image transfer destination, to the destination facsimile when the image transfer destination indicating means performs an indication; and a transfer means (a network control part 102) for transferring the image to the destination indicated by the image transfer destination indicating means by way of a network 101, when the image including the pattern is received from another facsimile. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a file transfer apparatus and method applied to a network device having a facsimile function connected to a network, such as a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP), a program, and a storage medium.

Conventionally, a facsimile has a destination input means, and a destination is added to a predetermined portion of an image at the time of transmission. When the MFP reads it, the destination information is interpreted using the OCR function, and the image file is transferred to the destination. A technique has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, even when the MFP receives an image from a single function facsimile having no destination addition function, a technique for transferring an image to a preset destination address has already been implemented.
JP 10-56549 A

  However, the conventional example has not proposed means for setting a transfer destination address according to the intention of the sender without changing the setting of the MFP for an image from a single function facsimile having no destination addition function. For this reason, a user who can only possess a single-function facsimile cannot transmit an image to a desired PC unless he or she owns an MFP that can be connected to a network.

  An object of the present invention is a file transfer apparatus and method, a program, and a storage medium capable of transferring an image to an arbitrary destination from a list designated in advance in an environment where one network device is held in the company Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file transfer apparatus according to claim 1 is instructed by an image transfer destination instructing unit for instructing a transfer number of another facsimile number and an image file, and the image transfer destination instructing unit. A transmission unit that transmits an image including a predetermined pattern indicating an image transfer destination to the other facsimile, and an instruction by the image transfer destination instruction unit when the image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile. Transfer means for transferring an image to a destination via a network.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image transfer destination instruction step for instructing another facsimile number and an image file transfer destination, and a predetermined transfer destination indicating an image transfer destination when an instruction is given by the image transfer destination instruction step. A transmission step of transmitting an image including a pattern to the other facsimile, and an image transmitted via the network to a destination indicated by the image transfer destination instruction step when the image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile. And a transfer step of transferring.

  The file transfer program according to claim 5 is an image transfer destination instruction module for instructing another facsimile number and an image file transfer destination, and a predetermined transfer destination indicating an image transfer destination when an instruction is given by the image transfer destination instruction module. A transmission module for transmitting an image including a pattern to the other facsimile; and an image transmitted to the destination designated by the image transfer destination instruction module when the image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile via the network. A transfer module for transferring is executed by a computer.

  A computer-readable storage medium according to a sixth aspect stores the file transfer program according to the fifth aspect.

  The file transfer apparatus of the present invention comprises image transfer destination instruction means for instructing another facsimile number and the transfer destination of the image file. A transmission unit that transmits an image including a predetermined pattern indicating the image transfer destination to another facsimile when an instruction is given by the image transfer destination instruction unit; and an image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile. Transfer means for transferring an image via a network to a destination designated by the image transfer destination instruction means.

  Therefore, it is possible to designate a destination only by reading a known simple pattern of an image from a single function facsimile having no destination addition function. As a result, in an environment where one network device is held in-house, an image can be transferred to an arbitrary destination from a list designated in advance.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the MFP includes a network control unit 102, a central processing unit 103, a data storage unit 104, an image processing unit 105, an engine control unit 106, a scanner engine 107, a printer engine 108, and a facsimile unit 109. The network control unit 102 is connected to the network 101. The facsimile unit 109 is connected to the public line 110.

  The MFP of the present invention has an interface of the network 101, and can send and receive mails with a network device such as a PC. The mail message is sent to the network control unit 102 via the network 101.

  The network control unit 102 converts data via the network 101 into an internal bus while interpreting the protocol, and sends the data to the central processing unit 103 including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

  In addition to controlling the entire apparatus, the central processing unit 103 interprets a forwarded mail sent via the network 101. If there is a print request for the mail text or attached file, the PDL data (printer) is To print command data that can be processed at high speed. The data converted into PDL is accumulated in a data storage unit 104 formed of a large-capacity storage medium and held until a user print operation is performed.

  In addition to temporary storage of print data, the data storage unit 104 stores management information in which a destination of a facsimile reception image characterized by the present invention is associated with a registration number.

  The PDL data accumulated in the data storage unit 104 is converted into a bitmap format that can be directly printed by the printer engine 108 by the image processing unit 105 when a user print operation is performed, and then the gradation correction of the image is performed. , Filter processing, and resolution conversion as necessary. Then, printing is output from the printer engine 108 via the engine control unit 106.

  The engine control unit 106 has a function of converting bitmap data captured from the scanner engine 107 into a transfer protocol on the internal bus, and a function of transferring bitmap data transferred via the internal bus to the printer engine 108.

  The facsimile unit 109 includes a modem and communicates with an external device via a public line 110 using a facsimile protocol. Further, image data in the apparatus is converted into data with the public line 110 via an internal bus, and facsimile transmission / reception is performed via the public line 110.

  Next, transmission of the destination designation sheet from the MFP will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow until the MFP in FIG. 1 transmits the destination designation sheet to the single function facsimile.

  As an environment in which the present invention is effective, as shown in FIG. 2, a relatively small office in which only one MFP exists in the company and only a single function facsimile having no network interface is used. .

  First, a destination transmission instruction is given to the MFP using a terminal such as a mobile phone. The instruction contents include a destination facsimile number and a mail address of a network device such as an image transfer destination PC.

  Based on the instruction content of the portable terminal, the MFP transmits an image forming an address designation sheet on which the destination code of the image transfer destination is printed to the designated facsimile. The facsimile user keeps the destination designation sheet. The stored address designation sheet is used as an address designation means used when a facsimile image is transferred to a network device such as a PC. A plurality of addresses (destination codes) can be printed on the destination designation sheet.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a destination transmission instruction is issued from the portable terminal in FIG. 2 to the MFP.

  In this example, an instruction is given using a mail of a mobile phone that is generally popular. The destination designates the mail address of the MFP, and the destination facsimile number and the mail address of the transfer destination PC to be set are input as the title.

  Here, “,” is used as a delimiter between the facsimile number and the mail address of the transfer destination PC. If there are multiple transfer destination addresses, separate them with “,” and add as many addresses as necessary. Also, by entering “$” at the beginning of the title, it means that the mail requirement is a transfer destination address instruction used in the present invention.

  When such a mail is sent to the MFP, the MFP first recognizes the “$” mark, interprets that the purpose of the mail is a transfer destination address instruction, and transmits a facsimile number delimited by “,” and a transfer destination address. Cut out the e-mail address of the PC from the title.

  Next, after the mail address of the transfer destination PC is registered in the MFP and a registration number is assigned, a destination designation sheet with a code pattern intended for the registration number is sent to the facsimile.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern intended for a registration number, a transfer destination, and a registration number registered in the MFP of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the registration number, transfer destination (mail address), and information necessary for identifying the code pattern (discrimination information of white (image data 0) or black (image data 1) at a predetermined reading position) are managed in the MFP. Has been.

  Next, reception of a destination designation sheet and image transfer by the MFP will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the destination designation sheet in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the designated address, the transmission date and time, and the code necessary for the MFP to recognize are printed on the address designation sheet so that the user can see it.

  The code portion is printed at a predetermined position, and the MFP starts to interpret the code from the predetermined position at the time of reading, can read the change in black and white for each predetermined pixel, and can easily read the registration number. . When the MFP reads the registration number, the destination information managed in association with each other as shown in FIG. 4 is called.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the destination designation sheet shown in FIG. 5 is received and the image is transferred by the MFP.

  In FIG. 6, a facsimile user selects a sheet on which a destination to which an image is to be transferred is selected from a plurality of stored destination designation sheets, and places the selected sheet on the first page of a document to be sent. Send to MFP.

  When the MFP reads the address designation sheet, as shown in FIG. 5, the MFP reads a code existing at a predetermined position, calculates a registration number, calls the address information managed in association with the address, and sets the called mail address. On the other hand, the second and subsequent images are transferred.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the MFP reads the code of the destination designation sheet, and shows a state in which the second and subsequent images are transferred to the registered mail address of the PC 2.

  As described above, the destination can be specified with an inexpensive configuration in which the MFP simply reads a known pattern issued by itself from an image transmitted from a single function facsimile having no destination addition function. In an environment where one MFP is held in-house, an image can be transferred to an arbitrary destination from a list designated in advance.

  Next, a case where a destination transmission instruction is given by the operation unit will be described.

  In the above example, the portable terminal is used as the destination designation means to be performed first, and the MFP instructs the facsimile to send the destination designation paper. However, on the screen using the operation unit of the MFP as the destination designation means. You may specify a destination.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of instructing a facsimile to send a destination designation sheet on the screen of the operation unit in the MFP of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, on the screen of the operation unit 701 of the MFP, a destination facsimile number of a destination designation sheet and a destination to which an image is to be transferred are input, and a transmission button is selected to send a destination designation sheet from the MFP to the facsimile. .

  Thereafter, similarly, when the facsimile user keeps the destination designation paper and wants to send the image to a network device such as a PC, the destination designation paper describing the destination to be sent is added to the first page, and the MFP user then stores the destination designation paper in the MFP. Send by facsimile. In this way, it is possible for the MFP to transmit the second and subsequent images to a desired destination.

  In addition, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the embodiment is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium It is also achieved by reading out and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow until the MFP in FIG. 1 transmits a destination designation sheet to a single function facsimile. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a destination transmission instruction is given from the portable terminal in FIG. 2 to the MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern intended for a registration number, a transfer destination, and a registration number registered in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination designation sheet in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of receiving the destination designation sheet of FIG. 5 and image transfer by the MFP. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a destination designation sheet transmission instruction is given to a facsimile on the operation unit screen in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

101 Network 102 Network control unit (transfer means component)
103 Central processing unit (transmission means component, transfer means component)
104 Data storage unit 105 Image processing unit 106 Engine control unit 107 Scanner engine 108 Printer engine 109 Facsimile unit (transmission means component)
110 Public line

Claims (6)

In a file transfer device that transfers a facsimile image to a transfer destination,
Image transfer destination instruction means for instructing other facsimile numbers and image file transfer destinations;
A transmission unit that transmits an image including a predetermined pattern indicating an image transfer destination to the other facsimile when instructed by the image transfer destination instruction unit;
Transfer means for transferring an image via a network to a destination instructed by the image transfer destination instruction means when an image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile;
A file transfer apparatus comprising:   The file transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image transfer destination instruction unit is an operation unit or a portable terminal of the file transfer apparatus.   The transfer means, when an image composed of a plurality of pages including the pattern is received from the other facsimile, sends the image of the page excluding the pattern to the destination specified by the image transfer destination instruction means via the network. 2. The file transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer is performed. In a file transfer method for transferring a facsimile image to a transfer destination,
An image transfer destination instruction step for instructing other facsimile numbers and image file transfer destinations;
A transmission step of transmitting an image including a predetermined pattern indicating an image transfer destination to the other facsimile when instructed by the image transfer destination instruction step;
A transfer step of transferring an image via a network to a destination indicated by the image transfer destination instruction step when an image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile;
A file transfer method comprising: In a file transfer program that transfers a facsimile image to a transfer destination,
An image transfer destination instruction module for instructing other facsimile numbers and image file transfer destinations;
A transmission module that transmits an image including a predetermined pattern indicating an image transfer destination to the other facsimile when instructed by the image transfer destination instruction module;
A transfer module for transferring an image via a network to a destination designated by the image transfer destination instruction module when an image including the pattern is received from the other facsimile;
A file transfer program for causing a computer to execute the program.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the file transfer program according to claim 5.

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